Development and characterization of a blunt force trauma model in reconstructed human skin

Establishing the timing of violent incidents is often a crucial aspect of criminal proceedings. Forensic injury dating methods can provide important information, but remain limited up to date, especially in non-fatal injury. Previous research has shown potential for pathological analyses of superficial skin biopsies, however, there is a need for more specific biomarkers. An in vitro blunt force trauma model in reconstructed superficial skin may offer a platform to identify novel markers for forensic injury dating. This we have studied in a three-dimensional reconstructed human skin (RhS) model in vitro, in which human keratinocytes were cultured on fibroblast populated collagen-based hydrogels. Blunt force trauma was induced by the impact of a dropped metal object of 18.5, 68.2, and 100 g from a height of 5 and 10 cm onto the RhS model. Morphological changes resulting from the trauma were assessed through (immune)histochemical analysis 24 h post trauma induction. Blunt force application resulted in fragmentation of the dermal matrix. Additionally, a reduction in the cross-sectional area of spinous keratinocytes and an increase in epidermal stratification were found in β-catenin stained tissue. No differences in epidermal or stratum corneum thickness were found. This study demonstrates that the RhS model show key structural changes following blunt force trauma induction. As such it offers an promising in vitro platform to identify novel epidermal blunt force trauma markers.